Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen honoured with OBE

Burton, the designer of the Duchess of Cambridge's celebrated wedding dress joins Emma Hill of Mulberry in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

18 June 2012

Designer Sarah Burton Photo: REX

From the moment the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out of her hotel on her wedding day, Sarah Burton became a household name. And the royal wedding dress designer's contribution to the British fashion industry is recognised as she is set to receive an OBE (Order of the British Empire).

Burton, creative director of fashion house Alexander McQueen and winner of the Designer of the Year Award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards, described the process of designing the Duchess's gown as the "experience of a lifetime". The striking dress, which featured a lace appliqué bodice and skirt, has become one of the most copied dress designs in the world and was hailed a triumph for Burton, from Macclesfield, Cheshire.

The creative director of another luxury British label, Mulberry, also features in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Emma Hill joined the brand in 2008 and has since won several awards. The company recently reported a 54 per cent jump in profits to £36 million for the last financial year and its success has triggered plans to open a second UK factory in Somerset. Hill is made a CBE.

The Royal Victorian Order is given by the Queen to people who have served her or the monarchy in a personal way and is bestowed independently of 10 Downing Street.

One of the Duke and Duchess's closest aides, Helen Asprey, who was one of the main organisers of last year's royal wedding, is also recognised by the Queen. Miss Asprey, private secretary to both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, is made Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order after working for the royals for more than 12 years. She is a member of the jewellery family and coordinates the Cambridges' private diaries, from booking holidays to responding to personal mail.